N26 Review

Curious about N26, one of Europe’s top online banks?

Dive into this N26 review where we explore what customers have to say about their experiences and check it against our own experience of using the bank. We’ll cover key aspects like user-friendliness, customer service, fees, and features to provide a comprehensive assessment of N26’s performance compared to its rivals.

Discover if N26 is the right choice for you.

What is N26 and how is it different?

N26 was founded in 2013 by Valentin Stalf and Maximilian Tayenthal. The digital bank is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. It operates in multiple countries throughout Europe. 

Some key features of N26 include the following:

• Mobile-first focus: N26 was built from the ground up as a mobile-first bank, with a sleek and user-friendly app that offers a variety of features. These include instant money transfers and the ability to lock and unlock your debit card.
• Multiple account options: N26 offers both personal and business bank accounts, as well as a joint account option for couples. Each account comes with a free debit card and the ability to set up overdraft protection.
• Investment products: In addition to traditional banking services, N26 offers investment products, including a Robo-Advisor service, through its app.
• No branches: N26 operates entirely online, which means it has lower overhead costs and can offer its services at lower prices compared to traditional banks.
• Personalized banking experience: N26 uses data and technology to offer tailored financial services to each customer. This includes spending insights and customized budgeting tools.

Plan Comparison

N26 offers multiple personal banking plans, each with its own unique features and fees. Here’s a brief overview of the plans:

• N26 Standard: This is the basic account offered by N26, and it comes with all of the core banking features you would expect. This includes a free debit card, mobile banking, and the ability to make instant transfers.
• N26 Smart: It offers a range of investment products and investment advice, as well as cashback rewards for purchases made with the N26 debit card. 
• N26 You: This plan is designed for individuals who want more flexibility and control over their finances, with additional features such as customizable categories for tracking expenses, free withdrawals in euros within the eurozone, and travel medical insurance.
• N26 Metal: This premium plan offers a range of exclusive benefits and services, including a metal debit card, premium travel insurance, and a concierge service that assists with travel and lifestyle needs.

Here’s a table comparing the N26 Standard, N26 You, and N26 Metal plans and top 10 features:

Pros and Cos of N26

Pros:

• Free cash withdrawals at ATMs (N26 You and Metal).
• No monthly maintenance charges for N26 Standard.
• Simple English-language interface.
• Competitive foreign exchange rates.
• Integrated with Wise.
• Real-time notifications about your finances.
• Travel insurance.
• Quick and easy sign-up process.

Cons:

• The only currencies accepted for deposits are EUR and USD.
• Free ATM withdrawals in local currency outside the eurozone only for N26 You and N26 Metal plans.

Who is N26 For?

N26 is a digital bank that offers a range of features and services for individuals who are looking for a convenient, mobile-first banking solution. It is best suited for:

• Personal use: N26 is primarily designed for personal banking needs and offers features such as a debit card, mobile banking, and money transfer services.
• Travelers: N26 offers free spending and cash withdrawals in several foreign currencies, making it a great option for individuals who frequently travel abroad.
• Convenience seekers: N26 offers a range of services and features, such as mobile banking and online money transfers, that allow users to manage their finances simply and efficiently.
• Budget-conscious individuals: N26 offers budgeting tools that help users keep track of their spending and manage their finances more effectively.

See our article Best International Debit Card.

How does N26 work?

1. Sign up: To start using N26, you need to sign up through the mobile app. You’ll need to provide some basic personal information, including your name, address, and government-issued ID.
2. Verification: Once you’ve submitted your information, N26 will verify your identity using a digital ID verification process.
3. Choosing your account: Once your identity is verified, you can set up an N26 account. You can choose between an N26 Standard, Smart, You, or Metal account. You’ll then be prompted to create a PIN and choose a debit card design.
4. Spending and withdrawing money: You can use your N26 debit card to spend money and make purchases both online and in person. N26 also allows you to withdraw cash from ATMs for free in several foreign currencies.
5. Budgeting: N26 provides budgeting tools to help you keep track of your spending and manage your finances more effectively.
6. Customer support: N26 offers customer support through its mobile app and website. You can get answers to your questions, report any issues, and access helpful resources and guides online. 

Is N26 safe and legit?

N26 is considered to be a safe and legitimate digital bank. It’s regulated by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and the European Central Bank (ECB). 

It follows all applicable EU banking regulations, including the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

In terms of security, N26 uses encryption technology to protect your personal information and financial data. It also offers features such as two-factor authentication to further secure your account. 

Additionally, N26 is a member of the German deposit protection scheme, which provides up to 100,000 EUR in protection for customer deposits.

Overall, N26 has established a reputation as a secure and legitimate digital bank, and it takes steps to ensure the safety and security of its customers’ personal and financial information. 

N26’s customer reviews

When it comes to customer ratings and reviews, N26 has a mixed reputation. On Trustpilot and Google play store, it has a mediocre rating. Whilst on the Apple store, N26 boasts a 4.6+ rating.

N26 has a rating of 3.5/ 5 on Trustpilot across 30,000 reviews. The majority of the customers are happy with the app features, however, many users complain about the poor customer support. 

On the Google Play store, N26 has a rating of 3.6/ 5 with around 126,000 reviews. 

N26 alternatives

There are several alternative services to N26 that you may want to consider which include the following:

Revolut: A digital bank that offers multi-currency accounts and spending abroad with affordable fees. This includes exchange rates and currency conversion costs to ensure you’re being charged in the local currency. It also offers free ATM withdrawals up to £200/€200/$200 per month. You’re charged a 2% fee for exceeding this limit. 

Monzo: A provider of personal and business banking services, including current accounts, overdrafts, and budgeting tools.

Starling Bank: A digital bank that offers a range of personal and business banking services, including current accounts, overdrafts, and mortgages.

Wise: An international money transfer service that allows users to send and receive money in different currencies at a low cost. It also offers an international debit card which is great for allowing users to spend in different countries whilst traveling. 

PayPal: A widely used online payment service that allows users to send and receive money, make purchases, and pay bills from around the world. 

These services may offer features and services that are similar to N26, and it’s worth comparing them to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. 

Keep in mind that each of these services may have its own pros and cons, and it’s important to assess your individual needs and preferences before making a decision.

See our article N26 Alternatives.

Verdict

N26 has received positive reviews from its customers. Many people appreciate its ease of use, innovative features, and competitive pricing. Customers also seem to appreciate the security measures that N26 has in place, such as encryption technology and two-factor authentication.

However, some customers have had negative experiences with N26, regarding its poor customer service.

Individual experiences can vary, and it’s always a good idea to conduct your own research and compare N26 to other digital banks and financial services providers to determine whether it meets your specific needs.

FAQ

Sources

1. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/n26.com
2. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.number26.android&hl=en&gl=US
3. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/n26-the-mobile-bank/id956857223
4. https://n26.com/en-eu/plans
5. https://support.n26.com/en-eu/account-and-personal-details/opening-an-account/can-i-open-an-n26-account-in-my-country#:~:text=We%20offer%20our%20accounts%20in,%2C%20Spain%2C%20Sweden%20and%20Switzerland.